Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition whereby the level of sugar in your blood is too high. This indicates that your pancreas, which secrets a blood sugar-regulating hormone called insulin, is not functioning properly. If left untreated, this impaired mechanism can raise your risk of developing heart disease, a leading killer in the UK and worldwide.
It is therefore imperative to listen to your body and act on the warning signs of type 2 diabetes as soon as they appear.
This is easier said than done, however.
Some people may not experience symptoms and for others, the symptoms may be so slight that the condition goes undetected for years or is confused with a less serious condition.
In fact, most people are diagnosed with diabetes after it is picked up during a routine examination for another condition.
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So, what should you look for?
One symptom to watch out for is acanthosis nigricans, a relatively common skin condition that is also one of the symptoms of diabetes.
As Diabetes.co.uk explains, acanthosis nigricans is characterised by darkening of the skin at particular areas, such as the joints of your fingers or toes.
“The signs of acanthosis nigricans are quite distinctive and result in a darkening of the skin around folds of skin,” says the health body.
It adds: “As well being darker, the skin may take on a leathery or velvety feel and the skin may itch or smell.”
There are two key components to this approach.
One is to eat a healthy, balanced diet that involves cutting back on sugar, fat and salt.
The other key approach is to engage in regular exercise.
According to the NHS, you should aim for 2.5 hours of activity a week.
